Depression and health status in elderly patients with heart failure: a 6-month prospective study in primary care

To determine the prevalence and effects of depression on health status among elderly outpatients with heart failure, the authors conducted a 6-month prospective cohort study of 139 older outpatients with heart failure managed in primary care and 80 of their spouses. Primary care heart failure diagnosis was confirmed through chart review. The Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders psychiatric diagnostic interview and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale were administered by phone. EQ-5D feeling thermometer, Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36-Item Questionnaire, Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire, and heart failure symptom severity questionnaires were administered by self-report. Depression diagnoses at baseline were: major depression and/or dysthymia (n=12, 9%), minor depression (n=14, 10%), and no depression (n=113, 81%). After adjusting for age, gender, and medical comorbidity, these depression groups differed by repeated measures analysis of covariance on most health status measures including the EQ-5D feeling thermometer; Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36-Item Questionnaire general health and physical role function subscales; Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire total score, symptom total, physical limitations, and quality of life subscales; as well as severity of chest pain and fatigue. Depression has significant and persistent effects on health status of elderly patients with heart failure, including heart failure symptoms, physical and role function, and quality of life. This may help explain why depression has been associated with increased health care utilization and costs in this population.